With start of high school season, Peyton Manning reflects on own high school memories

It’s hard to picture Peyton Manning nervous. The Manning we see is seemingly always in control — of his huddle, of the line of scrimmage, of the media scrum that waits for him each Thursday of training camp.

But Manning, in his post-practice press conference Thursday afternoon, took reporters back to a time when he truly felt intimidated on a football field.

Of course, he was also 17 at the time.

In 1993, Jim Mora Sr. allowed Manning — heading into his senior year at Isidore Newman School — to not only sit in on meetings with the New Orleans Saints, but to join in on drills during offseason practices.

“I actually got to practice with them a little bit, which may have been as nervous as I’ve ever been in my entire life,” Manning said. “I was in there looking across at Pat Swilling and some of these guys and I was 17 years old, which was great experience for me going to college.”

Manning continued:

“Usually, you have to be probably related to a coach or your dad maybe had to have played quarterback there for 14 years to get that kind of access,” he said, laughing. “So, not just anybody off the street would be allowed to do that. I felt fortunate my dad did the radio for the Saints back in that time so Jim Mora allowed me to come out there. This was during OTAs, so it was serious business for them. So yes, it’s not something I took for granted at all. It was a unique, valuable experience. I’ve never thrown at that kind of speed before and it really helped me when I went to college.”

Manning and the Broncos have tried to help defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s son, Luke, in similar ways as Luke prepares for his senior year as quarterback at Valor Christian[1] High in Highlands Ranch. Luke didn’t actually take any live snaps, but he sat in on meetings and helped assistant coaches run practices during OTAs and early in training camp. Del Rio has already given a verbal commitment to play at Oklahoma State.

“I know Luke, this will be a great experience for him, just listening to meetings—that was big for me—hearing about different ideas on coverages. I’m looking forward to keeping up with him this year. He’s a great kid,” Manning said.